The best road cycling routes around Maytone

Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Small coffeeshop right by the river Bann, directly next to Sustrans Route 9 / Newry Canal Towpath. The cafe is practically on the roadside, making it a logical stop for cyclists following the canal path. The old brick building has a relaxed atmosphere; inside and out it's a place where cyclists and walkers cross paths. Ideal for a coffee, a small snack and a short break before you cycle back into the canal landscape towards Craigavon Lakes. Enjoyed the stop, but forgot the photo.

Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.

Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva

The small town of Scarva, nestled between green meadows and the quiet canal, offers a welcome break on my bike tour through Northern Ireland. Here you cycle on well-maintained paths past historic bridges and small villages that give you the feeling that time has stood still. The British flags fluttering along the side of the road remind you that you are in a culturally special area - a detail that reflects the identity of the region. The route is easy to cycle, the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, which makes for pleasant cycling. The view of wide fields and rolling hills invites you to slow down now and then and take in the peace and quiet. A special feature of Scarva is the annual Orange Order March, which transforms the village into a kind of open-air stage once a year and keeps the traditions of this region alive.

There is something enchanted about this old, dilapidated stone hut - as if it were whispering stories of times gone by, when the canal was still full of life and the lock keepers worked here day and night. The walls, overgrown with greenery and moss, show how nature is slowly reclaiming its place. The building itself is only a ruin, but that is precisely what makes it somehow interesting. The mixture of broken brickwork and wild growth has something melancholic about it that fits perfectly into the tranquility of the surroundings. Right next to it there is a small rest area with a bench - ideal for stopping for a moment and taking in the atmosphere.

The setting is done with great attention to detail, and it almost feels like a quick picnic in the mountains when you sit down at the rustic tables and look into the distance. The patterned cups and saucers give the place a cozy touch and make the whole thing that little bit more special. The view of the surrounding hills and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to take a short break - perfect for resting your legs and just taking a breather. The coffee house is not only friendly to cyclists, but even offers bike rental for the Ring of Gullion. Handy if you need an extra boost for the next stage! The surroundings are green and spacious, a nice mix of Irish idyll and relaxed hospitality. The owners seem to take the attention to detail seriously, which is reflected in the little things like the decorative elements and the cozy atmosphere.

In the middle of the quiet residential area of Annagh Meadows, just a stone's throw from Tandragee Road, the Annagh Pillbox suddenly appears - a relic from the dark days of the Second World War. Its massive concrete walls and narrow loopholes tell of a time when defence along the River Bann was a top priority here. Today it seems a little out of place, surrounded by manicured gardens and modern houses, but that is precisely what gives it a special aura. The interpretive panel next to the bunker is worth a look - it brings you a little closer to the events of that time and reminds you how close the war was here too. The pillbox itself is in remarkably good condition, which is probably thanks to the care taken by the local council. It is worth a short detour to explore this historic corner and pause for a moment. You might wonder what it must have been like back then, when the view from here still extended unobstructed to the river, where you once had to keep an eye on the course of the Bann Line.